POLITICIANS in Liverpool last night joined forces to condemn racism and agreed that there should be a "no platform policy" for parties which aim to "profit from or ferment racism."

POLITICIANS in Liverpool last night joined forces to condemn racism and agreed that there should be a "no platform policy" for parties which aim to "profit from or ferment racism."

Councillors from all parties spoke out at a meeting of Liverpool City Council. They agreed to join forces following the decision of the British National Party to put up a candidate in Garston where there are plans to open an asylum detention centre.

The leader of Liverpool City Council Mike Storey and labour leader Cllr Gideon Ben-Tovim put forward a motion "condemning racism and xenophobia in all its forms and manifestations."

The two politicians agreed that the council should do everything within its power to prevent such parties gaining electoral benefit and exposure.

Cllr Storey said: "I am pleased when there is an issue such as this that we put our political views to one side and speak with one voice. We must stand up and confront this issue."

Labour leader Cllr Gideon Ben-Tovim added: "We must do all we can to eliminate these racist and fascist groups who do nothing for this society."

* There were angry exchanges at Liverpool City Council last night with labour leader Cllr Gideon Ben-Tovim demanding to know whether "youth cuts are still on the table."

Council leader Mike Storey said: "I have written to youth groups to reassure them that money for the next 12-months is safe. We will work with youth groups to ensure they can continue to provide a first-rate service."

Cllr Storey also stressed that Liverpool spends #115 on all young people between the ages of 13 and 19, compared to Manchester, which spends #84 and Birmingham, which spends #34.

* One of Liverpool City Council's longest serving members, Cllr Len Tyrer, will retire in May.

The Liberal Democrat, who represents Church ward, first joined the council in 1973.